2022 Subaru Forester vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in various trims, including base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring. Prices started at $25,195 for the base model, with the top-tier Touring trim reaching $35,295. A destination charge of $1,125 was added to the cost, and Subaru offered a range of dealer-installed accessories. All-wheel drive was standard across all trims. The Forester Wilderness, tested in Bend, Oregon, featured white paint, a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945, including destination. With additional options like a navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a power rear liftgate, the test vehicle's price reached $36,014.

The Forester's exterior, particularly in the Wilderness trim, was not universally appealing. The suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding gave it a rugged look, but the matte-black hood decal and copper-colored details were polarizing. Inside, the Forester emphasized functionality over aesthetics, with a mix of hard plastic and soft surfaces. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. Despite its somewhat dated appearance, the Forester's interior was well-constructed and practical.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE) was based on the SR5 Premium trim and added $4,505 to its price, with $1,875 covering the standard four-wheel-drive system. The remaining $2,630 included retro body stripes, a heritage grille design, bronze 17-inch wheels, and various bronze accents. Available in black, white, or red paint with a black artificial leather interior, the 40 ASE had a base MSRP of $48,455.

The 40 ASE's retro design elements, including yellow, orange, and red stripes, and bronze wheels, gave it a nostalgic appeal. The fifth-generation 4Runner's truck-based design provided a rugged and enduring look. Inside, the 4Runner's cabin was functional, with plenty of plastic but a solid feel. The controls were straightforward and easy to use, even with gloves on. The 4Runner's interior was designed for practicality, with comfortable seats and ample storage space.

The 2022 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. It had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The Wilderness model's CVT provided a 25% increase in initial torque supply, doubling its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness's fuel economy at 26 mpg in combined driving, with our test averaging 25.9 mpg.

The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and included SI-Drive for a more responsive powertrain. The dual-function X-Mode system offered various settings for different terrains, and the re-tuned suspension improved ride and handling. The Wilderness trim's longer springs and shocks increased ground clearance to 9.2 inches, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Forester excelled in various environments, from city streets to off-road trails, though it lacked engine power and had noticeable wind noise at higher speeds.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had a 4.0-liter V6 engine producing 270 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 278 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. A five-speed automatic transmission sent power to the rear wheels, with optional four-wheel-drive systems available. The 4Runner's towing capacity was 5,000 pounds, and its EPA fuel economy rating was 17 mpg in combined driving, with our test averaging 16.9 mpg.

The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system available on the Limited trim. It had a minimum ground clearance of nine inches and various off-roading technologies, including Hill-Start Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control, and Active Traction Control. The TRD trims provided specific enhancements for on-road and off-road performance. The 4Runner excelled in off-road conditions, handling mud and water with ease. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of composure over larger bumps.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The upgraded roof rails could accommodate a three-person roof tent. The Forester's interior was comfortable, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Storage space was decent, with various bins and bottle holders. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured a power-down rear window, providing excellent ventilation. Entry and exit required effort for shorter individuals, but the seats were comfortable. The 40 ASE trim had SofTex artificial leather and heated front seats. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom and air conditioning vents. The optional third-row seat was uncomfortable and reduced cargo space. The cargo area included storage cubbies, a 120-volt AC power outlet, and an optional sliding floor. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner offered 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 89.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and HD Radio. Premium trim added a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, and Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry for outdoor activities.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner had traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system included real knobs and buttons, making it easy to use with gloves. Upgrades included a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The voice recognition system performed well, handling most commands accurately.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with a wider field of vision and new Automatic Emergency Steering. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" rating.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a rear-seat reminder system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. The adaptive cruise control performed well, but the lane-departure warning could be irritating. The 4Runner received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 3-star rating for front passenger protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS gave it a Marginal rating for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.